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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential busts

By Max Holm

Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Justin Patton is one of many big men who will be considered after the lottery. Zach Collins is really the only high quality prospect, though Jarrett Allen from Texas has some momentum. This collection of big men is very raw. Most of them, like Patton, have amazing physical profiles, making them intriguing for teams who think they can unlock that athletic potential.

A near seven-footer with a solid standing reach, Patton has excellent size to be utilized as a center in the NBA. However, he doesn’t have a great feel for the game, especially on defense. In taking in more of a project, you’d want more legitimate two-way potential. And there’s this red flag from Draft Express:

"“While Patton plays with a solid activity level, he’s a little hesitant to play through contact, and NBA teams will want him to become more aggressive around the rim while learning to be able to finish while also getting fouled.”"

Between of his soft reputation, his inability to rebound at a strong level (only 6.2 rebounds per game), and uncertainty over his jump shot, there are far better big men to take a gamble on this year.

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